Florida Says Boosters Paid for Athlete's Car

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Despite the publicity generated by the NCAA investigation of recruiting violations at the University of Florida, wealthy alumni made car payments for a football player last year, a newspaper reported.

Sophomore Duncan Parham was dismissed from the team after athletic department officials found out about the car deal, the Gainesville Sun reported Thursday. The 6-5, 240-pound tight end has since transferred to Oklahoma.

Florida Athletic Director Bill Carr said in a statement that the university "self-reported" the alleged violation to the NCAA.

Parham was provided an automobile by a car dealer, and the payments were made by two Gator fans from Jacksonville, the newspaper reported.